- ARCHIVE - Royal Court of Lotharingia [Burgundy]

[Schlieffen]

In one of the larger chapals in Rome, Victor standing at the head of it by the alter, is Duchesse Marrie de Berry and various other Burgundian and Imperial nobles. The ceremony is drawing to a close now, only the oaths remaining.
"Madam," states an Archbishop, standing next to Victor, "is your Majesty willing to take the Oath?"
"I am willing," replies the Duchesse.
Victor lets out a slight sigh because of the circumstances he would have prefered for the coronation, and then begins. "Do you swear to govern the peoples of the newly created Kingdom of Lotharingia, the Duchy of Burgundy, and of your possessions and other territories to any of them belonging or pertaining to your crown, according to their respective laws and customs?"
"I do."
"Will you, to your power, cause Imperial and Papal law and justice to be executed in all your judgements?"
"I will."
"Will you, to the best of your ability, maintain the laws of God and the One True Faith?"
"I shall."
"Will you support the legaly elected Emperor or King of the Romans in all of your actions and words?"
"All of this, I promise to do."
Then the Duchesse, the banner of Burgundy being carried before her, walks up to the Altar. She lays her right hand upon the Holy Gospel upon the Alter, saying, "The things which I have here promised, I will perform and remember. So help me God."
"Then, Marrie de Berry, Duchesse of Burgundy, I hearby deem thee to be 'Marrie de Berry, Queen of Lotharingia; Duchesse of Burgundy and Lorraine; Countess of Flanders, Holland, and Limburg; by the will of the Victor I, King of the Romans'."

 

[unmerged(3110)]

A tall, lithe figure, pert in buttock and manner bows before the Duchess with a winning smile and flowing blond hair cascading about his face.

His bow is finished with a florish.

"Marrie de Berry, Queen of Lotharingia; Duchesse of Burgundy and Lorraine; Countess of Flanders, Artois, Holland, and Limburg, Countess of Helvetia, and the Franche-Comté, overlord of Savoie and Brabant, bearer of the Order of France, member of the English Order of the Golden garter and of the Papal Order of the Golden Spur....... Well met."

"I am Richard of York and your new ambasador.... if you will have me." this said with a charming and depreciating smile.

"Your beauty is said to encompass the stars, yet i now see that they do you no justice. For the stars die when matched to your smile alone."

"I bear a letter from my King and hereby pass it to your pearl white hand" his eyes wander to her unfathomable pupils of swirling depth and he is lost to her wonder.


Dear Duchess or dare I say great queen.

I would like to invite your munificence to sit in council with the Federation to help determine the peaceful future of western Europe. So as soon as circumstances will allow could you please send a representative to Calais by special Invite of the first consul?

By his own hand

 

[BusterBunny]

"Madame, we are being pressed by both Austria and the Emperor to enter the war!" almost shouted the Count of Artois.

"We have to be carefull, madame, this could lead Burgundy to disaster..." informed one of her foreign affair minister. He continued "And now, we've heard that France has betrayed us and was trying to convince Savoie to attack us. With the helps of some Iberians..."

The Queen's face became white... as she sat down. The news had struck her like a fist in her stomach...

Now, what was she going to do...

 

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A letter arives from Genoa.

 

[unmerged(6324)]

Duke Afonso de Sintra rises before the shocked Queen and bows very elegantly, he requests permission to speak. The Queen hurries him.

Your majesty, my King wishes me to inform you, that whatever you need, Portugal shall be willing to assist.

The Duke bows again, and has a gastly look upon his brow, as he is disturbed by the current events.

 

[unmerged(5941)]

A letter is sent to the Burgundian Queen.

"Queen Marie de Berri of Bourgogne,

I have heard of the accusations against me and I will not deny them. However, I shall remind you that it was the Savoyards who came to France with the offer, not the French. In fact, I happen to have evidence of this.

Here is a sealed message sent from Savoy to France.

TREATY PROPOSAL

I. Castile, Portugal, France, and Savoy are to be united in military matters where one of us is threatened. An attack on one is an attack on all. This is a mainly defensive alliance, although we should not exclude the possibility of offensive operations against foes.

II. Matters such as Alliance declarations of war are to be done with a vote. Each nation in the alliance recieves one vote. A vote will be held for declarations of war, inducting new members into our alliance, and other concerns that affects all of our countries.

III. Although this Holy Alliance is not a trade alliance, clearly each of us would see the benefits of one between us. At a future time, plans for an alliance for Trade could be drawn up.

IV. The Holy Alliance, as it stands now, has three major enemies which greatly upset the balance of power. The Holy Alliance will work to diminish the power of England, Aragon, and Burgundy, preferably through peaceful means. But if our enemies wish to enslave us through the sword, then may the Iberians, Franks, and Italians unite, to defend our lands and thrones.

Condition I. For the present moment, the Alliance is to be a silent one, due to the English oppression of the Kingdom of France, the Duchy of Burgundy's oppression of the True Future Kingdom of Lotharigia, and the probable aggression of the Kingdom of Aragon. For the present moment, absolute secrecy is needed, so we are not crushed before we can make a difference.'

I denied entrance to the alliance and I believe the Savoyards wish to make war with me for that reason. I ask that as a good christian, that you will chastise your vassal for making war without cause for war, and for attempt to imprison a sovereign. Your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, May I remind you that we have a ten year non-aggression pact so I would not be able to attack you unless I wish the waves of christendom to descend upon me.

Written by his own hand at Grenoble,

King Charles I Valois,
King of France."

 

[unmerged(6501)]

A letter arrives from Castile.

 

[Fireblade]

The Savoyard ambassador steps in.

"My liege, the Queen of Lotharingia, Duchess of Burgundy, your loyal and humble servant Duke Amédée VIII comes before you with a request. He desires a small loan, so that he can punish the French bastards for their treachery against your great Kingdom."

 

[unmerged(7849)]

A letter arives from Genoa,

"Your most gracious Queen,

In this time of war and perril. One cannot be sure of his true freinds or allies. Yet Genoa and Burgundy have always remained true.

We have already signed a favorable trade pact to promote the economic securities of our nations. Now I propose that our nations conclude a non-aggression pact. I am sure you see things as I do. Freinds must have each others backs in these times of betrayel.

If you should ever desire a rest from the stress of rulling a nation as powerful as yours, know that the hospatality of Genoa is always open.

yours in peace,
Doge John II."

 

[unmerged(8054)]

A letter arrives from Frankfurt. It appears that Johann III of Bremen and Joachim, the protector of Pommern, had done other things than negotiating with the Emperor.
The letter is sealed with the seals of both Bremen and Pommern.

Most noble Queen Marie de Berry.
We who have signed below have just concluded interesting negotiations with Vicomte André de Laurendeau, you delegate in the Imperial Diet.
It was a great joy for us to discover, nay, have proven to us what we always knew, that Burgundy is a nation seeking only peacefull coexistence with her neighbours.
Thus, we have drafted this treaty, which should for all eternity guarentee friendship and good relations between the Greif-Schussel Allianz and Burgundy.

It is our hope that we will never be forced to invoke article two, but know that should it be required, both Bremen and Pommern would be prepared to aid in any way we can.

I do hope that Your Royal Majesty will chose to sign this treaty, thus binding our three nations together.

The men carrying this latter is herr Martin Brintz, empowered to witness the signing of the document on behalf of Bremen, and herr Bartek Poborsky, empowered to witness the signing on behalf of Pommern, should you so chose.

In Frankfurt

Johann III, duke of Bremen

Joachim Zbigniew Friedrich von Klenau-Kaminski of the Greif, heir to the ducal throne of Pommerania, Regent and Protector of the Country.

The two men bringing the letter stood back, waiting respectfully for the queens response, presenting a written document, which was also signed by Johann and Joachim:

-------------------------
Article one: The Greif-Schussel Allianz recognises queen Marie de Berry and her heirs as the only legal rulers of Burgundy.
-Burgundy recognises Kazimierz V and his heirs, most noteably Joachim Zbigniew Friedrich as the only legal rulers of Pommern.
-Burgundy recognises Johann III and his heirs of the Küster lineage as the only legal rulers of Bremen.

Article Two: - Burgundy and the Greif-Schussel Allianz agree to provide each other with mutual defense in case of attack by a foreign power. If military assistance cannot be rendered for some reason, a payment of 20,000 ducats (2 eco) will be rendered unto the attacked party.

Artcicle Three: - Burgundy and the Hansa Trade Union agree as to Burgundy's trade supremacy and independance through all the lands controlled by Queen Marie de Berry. However, Hansa Trade Union's merchants possess same rights in these lands as Burgundian ones.

 

[Darth Tracid]

A messenger from Luxembourg enters, bows and steps forward to speak.

"Noble king of burgundy!
I deliver to you the words of Elisabeth, duchess of Luxembourg.

My noble friend, I am sure you have heard the most joyful news that the emperor has backed down and peace reigns in the empire. War has been avertet, and I thank god for that, as I am sure you do.
Our nations have always enjoyed good relations, and a peaceful neighborhood. Never have we warred on each other, and I am glad that this good relationship has prevented that our people march on the field of battle against each other during the latest crisis.
Therefore I want to honour our friendship and the high regard in which I hold and value you by handing over the overlordship over the people of helvetia to Helvetia side to side with the burgundian army, and subdued them in battle.

I hope that by this act, our friendship deepens and it opens the way to even greater friendship and cooperation between our realms.

Sincerly yours,
Elisabeth I. of Luxembourg"

The man bows and retreats.

 

[Bagricula]

An eldery monk enters wearing the black robes of the Benedictine Order. Despite his age his sharp eyes dart around the chamber studying his surroundings. Making his way to the center of the room, Father Lucas Frey clears his throat, a complicated affair, before speaking,

"Most radiant and majestic Marie, Queen of Lotharingia, my lord Erich, Count Palatine of the Rhine, has sent me word that he is calling together the Richters of the Empire together in Frankfurt to try Georg von Hapsburg and Urseolo of Hungary. He kindly requests your presence and wisdom in all expedience."

The monk bows,

"Further, his serene highness wishes to convey his warmest congratulations in the further unification of the Swiss people under your benevolent guidance. He sends word that in Heidelburg a fine tapestry is being woven to commemorate your glorious reign, and will be sent forthwith to Dijon about its completion."

Another bow, and the Benedictine withdraws off to the side.

 

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A french page enters the court before the Queen bows and hands her a note:


Great Queen,
As you have heard King John has recently died and his young son King Henry VI has taken over the throne. I Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick am no Regent of England and her French posessions. As we have spoken of early England is suffering from major loans as a result of the last war with France. It is in that case that we wish to sell you the province of Champange which will connect your lands. As spoken of we will take the price of 40,000 ducats *4 eco points* to give not to us, but to help pay our debts as we have great inflation at this moment. We have that amount in loans from the Bank. If you agree to this price and pay off the bank loans for us we will cede to you the province of Champange. I await your response.


Richard Beauchamp,
Regent of England
Earl of Warwick

 

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When queen Marie de Berry had signed the treaty, one of the two men who had brought it and witnessed the signing stepps forward and bows.

"Most noble queen. My name is Martin Brintz, and I have been ordered by Johann III to serve as Bremer ambassador in your beautyfull nation, now that ties of friendship binds us together.
Of course, my post as ambassdor will first be official with your permission.
In addition, I am empowered to extend an invitation to any man or women you wish to have as Burgundian ambassador in Bremen, as it is Johann IIIs hope that an exchange of ambassadors will strenghten the bonds of friendsship and cooperation Your Royal Majesty has tied with your signing of this document."

Martin Brintz then awaits the queens answer.

 

[unmerged(7849)]

Another letter arives from Genoa. But the message is lost on the way.

(Empty PM box please)

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Martin Brintz, the new Bremer ambassador, steps forward and bows to the queen:

"Your Royal Highness. I have been instructed to inform you that herr Étienne DesLaurnes is most welcome as Burgundian ambassador in the Bremer court.
In addition, my lord Duke Johann III, is very interested in hearing the facts of the Bourbon-Savoi issue.
He has heard a lot of rumors, but believes that only those with close interest in the case can give him a full briefing.
Duke Johann III has heard rumors of Burgundian involvment, possible even military intervention, and wishes to know if these rumors are true."

 

[Auspend]

A letter arrives from Frankfurt bearing the seal of both Wuerttemberg and the Palatinat.

To the most noble Marie de Berri, Queen of Lotharingia and Duchess of Burgundy:

I cordially invite you to the wedding of Count Heinrich I of Wuerttemburg and Nora von Wittlesbach in Frankfurt-am-Main. The ceremonies are scheduled to take place in three months(ooc:Saturday). We hope you will be there.

Count Heinrich I of Wuerttemberg, Duke of Teck

 

[unmerged(6324)]

Duke Afonso de Sintra walks to the stressed Queen and bows before her and smiles.

Your majesty, a crusade has been called against the Horde and Portugal is the first to champion! We would love to request your help. For this is most pious and our victories shall be sweet, and we shall share in it. Please, help Portugal out as Portugal would help you out in any way possible. May God bless Burgundy and her majesty for all time!

The Duke bows once more and then smiles a bit more.

 

[Fireblade]

A letter arrives from Savoy.

"We will never surrender! Savoyards fight to the death!"

 

[Fireblade]

Surrender document

A treaty arrives from Savoy.

"Savoy recognizes it's folly in going against its overlord, Burgundy. To apologize for its apostasy, Savoy offers complete annexation to Lotharingia.

I. Savoie and Piemont will go immediately to the Kingdom of Lotharingia.

II. Savoyard forces recieve military aid against the heretic generals and the hated Church of Savoy.

III. The heir of Savoy retains the title Duke of Savoy.

IV. All hostilities end immediately between our forces.

[X] Duchess Marie du Bourgogne
[]
"